Rocky Fork Church celebrates 150 years

Published
12:00 am CST, Friday, February 28, 2014

Rocky Fork New Bethel A.M.E. Church will celebrate 150 years of serving the community March 8 at the Godfrey Knights of Columbus Hall. Festivities begin at 3 p.m. with a welcome and banquet. Speakers include Reverend James Hailey, Reverend Cynthia Newman, and Reverends Nathaniel and Tinnie Randall.

The little church has a rich history – it was one of the stations of the Underground Railroad in the greater Alton, Jerseyville area, a pathway to freedom that sheltered fugitive slaves on their journey. There is evidence that as early as 1816, the Rocky Fork area was a safe place for escaping slaves. The Rocky Fork A.M.E. Group already existed by 1839 and formed the center of the small community of freed and runaway slaves who settled nearby. The church was officially founded in 1863 by Reverend Erasmus Green, a freed slave.

When Reverend Green arrived he saw the need for a church building for church services, community activities and a school for the children of the growing community. After he returned from the Civil War, he enlisted his friend, AJ Hindman, and they built the first Rocky Fork A.M.E. Church in 1869.

“We are celebrating more than 150 years of this historic church. We are also celebrating the rich history of overcoming great adversity by the grace of God,” said Reverend Brian Williams, Pastor.

The church has been vandalized many times and burned to the ground three times, twice in one year.

“Each time the greater Alton community helped us rebuild,” Williams said.

The celebration on March 8, 2014 at 3 p.m. will be held at the Knights of Columbus (The McNicholas Club), 1713 Stamper lane, Godfrey. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15.00 for children under 12 Tickets are available at New Life Fellowship Church, 703 Henry St,. Alton and the YWCA, 304 E. 3rd St., Alton. They can also be reserved by calling the New Bethel A.M.E. Church 618-466-9567.